- Pests, including rats, mice, and bugs, can cause damage and spread diseases in U.S. homes.
- Clutter, cracks, poor maintenance, weather, and improper food storage lead to pest infestations.
- Pests thrive in cluttered spaces, hide in cracks, and are attracted to unhygienic conditions.
- Extreme weather can drive pests indoors, and improperly stored food can attract them.
- Garages, kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms are most prone to pest infestations.
Pests are small creatures that can cause huge problems. They can easily take over your home and create chaos. Nobody likes a pest infestation, but it happens all too often. Whether you live in the city or country, pests can find their way into your home. Sometimes, it can be hard to stop them once they are in. Here’s what you need to know about pests in the U.S., why you have a pest infestation, and areas in your home susceptible to pests.
Pests in The U.S.
Certain pests are more common than others in the U.S. Rats, mice, cockroaches, bed bugs, termites, and ants are among the most common. Each of them can cause damage to your property or spread germs and diseases. Knowing what kind of pests you have is the first step in getting rid of them.
Reasons for Pest Infestation
You might have a pest infestation in your home for a few reasons. Here are some of them:
1. Clutter
The number one reason why pests find their way into your home is because of clutter. Pests thrive in clutter as they can hide and breed quickly. Be it food particles, empty soda cans, or pieces of paper scattered around the house, pests will use anything as hiding spots or breeding grounds. To prevent pests from entering your home, you must keep your home clean and tidy. Try to keep your things organized and dispose of waste properly.
2. Cracks and Holes
Another major reason why pests invade your home is because of cracks and holes. Pests, just like humans, prefer comfortable living conditions. And tiny cracks and holes in the walls and floors of your home are perfect for them. If you notice any cracks or holes, seal them immediately. This will significantly reduce the chances of pests entering your home.
3. Poor Maintenance
Poor maintenance is another reason why pests may enter your home. If you don’t maintain proper hygiene, pests will be attracted to your home. Unclean kitchens, bathrooms, overripe fruits, and even old, unused items can attract pests. To avoid this, clean your home regularly, throw away old items, and maintain proper hygiene.
4. Weather
Pests are creatures of habit; just like humans, they need shelter from extreme weather conditions. For example, rodents often enter your home during winter to seek warmth, while cockroaches enter during heavy rains. Therefore, you need to be aware of the weather conditions in your area and take the necessary precautions.
5. Food Storage
Pests in your home are primarily after food. So, leaving food outside or throwing it away in the bin becomes a magnet for pests. To keep pests at bay, store your food items properly. Ensure you keep them in sealed containers and put them in the refrigerator when they need to be maintained at a specific temperature.
Areas in Your Home Prone to Pests
Certain parts of your home are more prone to pests than others. Here are four areas in your home you should keep an eye out for:
Garage
Pests love the clutter and darkness in the garage. It’s an ideal hiding spot for them and provides plenty of food options. Store items in sealed containers and vacuum regularly to keep pests away from your garage. Additionally, get your garage door checked. A roller door requires more maintenance than others, so contact a local garage roller door service to check for any holes or damage. They can repair it and make sure pests can’t get in.
Kitchen
The kitchen is the most vulnerable area of your home regarding pests. Food crumbs, spilled liquid, and trash are all attractive to pests, from ants and roaches to rodents. It’s important to keep your kitchen clean and free of food particles and bits of garbage as much as possible. Additionally, clean the dishes and kitchen surfaces regularly to keep pests out.
Bathroom
Pests can also be found in bathrooms. They need moisture for survival, so ensure your bathroom is dry and void of standing water. Check for any openings or cracks in the walls, ceiling, or floors where pests can enter. Clean your bathroom regularly and use a good quality cleaner to keep it in top condition.
Living Room
Your living room is the most used area of your home, which means pests are likely the most active here, too. Vacuum regularly to eliminate food particles or other items that could attract pests. Keep furniture away from walls as they can provide a place for pests to hide. Seal any potential openings in the walls or ceilings of your living room, too.
Overall, pest infestations are common in many homes across the U.S., and knowing how to prevent them is essential. You can avoid the nuisance of a pest infestation by taking preventive measures such as keeping your home clean, storing food properly, and sealing cracks and holes in walls and floors. If you’re already dealing with a problem, contact an experienced pest control expert to help eliminate them quickly and effectively.
